PRESS RELEASES

INDIANAPOLIS MONUMENTAL MARATHON PARTNERS WITH APEX BENEFITS GROUP TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF CENTRAL INDIANA'S WORKING COMMUNITY

Eight of Indiana's Most Recognizable Employers Will Serve as Charter Members

Indianapolis, IN April 29, 2014

In an effort to pursue the shared mission of realizing a healthier Indiana, the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon (IMM) has joined forces with Apex Benefits Group to issue the "Apex Monumental Challenge."

"It is well-studied, with clear results, that a healthy employee is a more engaged, productive, and happier one," stated John Gause, CEO of Apex Benefits Group. "If we can play an active role in helping companies throughout Indiana achieve this for their respective teams, through a little healthy competition, then mission accomplished."

The Apex Monumental Challenge, an employer-based, team competition, with no registration fee for companies to sign up, is open to enrollment and will make its official debut on Thursday, June 5, 2014 with the inaugural Monumental Mile. Participants in that event, which starts on Meridian at 12th Street and finishes on Monument Circle, will have their first opportunity to score points for their companies.

The seventh running of the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, Half Marathon and 5k, will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2014 and will offer participants the opportunity to represent their employers once more by completing any one of the three distances.

"This is a natural strategic alliance for Apex Benefits Group and the Monumental organization," Blake Boldon, Executive Director for the IMM, commented. "If we can engage our corporate community to embrace this from the business side, not only can we continue to help move the needle in leading the greater Indianapolis community toward a healthier lifestyle, but we will continue to honor our primary mission of supporting public education in Indianapolis."

Since launching in 2008 the IMM has donated over $400,000 in support of public education in Indianapolis. An announcement of the 2014 donation amounts will be made in the coming weeks.

"I believe that's a win-win-win," Boldon added.

Participating companies will compete in three categories: Small (up to 50 full-time employees), Medium (51 to 500 full-time employees) and Large (more than 500 employees). Points will be awarded based on participation and completion rather than finish time or individual place. Finishers will earn one point for completing the 5k, two points for completing the half marathon and three points for completing the marathon, all on Saturday, November 1. Additionally, each individual who completes the Monumental Mile on Thursday, June 5 will also garner one point toward his or her team's total score. Employees will also be able to earn one half point for their team by volunteering during the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon weekend. The winning team in each division will receive an awards luncheon at their work place and a traveling trophy for display.

"The Challenge has been made, and Apex is in the game," Gause said with a grin. "Who else will join us?"

The Apex Monumental Challenge is open to any employer with offices in Central Indiana and there is no cost to enroll. To enroll your organization or for more information, email challenge@monumentalmarathon.com Each participating employer will need a team leader to distribute relevant information and to report the total number of full time employees for classification and scoring purposes. Enrollment for 2014 will end Wednesday, May 14.

The Indianapolis Monumental Marathon (IMM) provides the Indianapolis community with a complement of activities built around our premiere event that promotes healthy living & fitness for all ages (both runners and walkers.) The mission of the IMM, a 501(c)3 is to combat childhood obesity. IMM gives back to the Indianapolis community by supporting youth programming that reinforces healthy lifestyles for young people, with an emphasis on working with urban students and Indianapolis Public Schools. The Indianapolis Monumental Marathon was recently named one of the top nine marathons in the U.S. by Runners' World.
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